BREAKING: New lead in Tommy Ward murder investigation

South Yorkshire Police detectives are currently following up new lines of enquiry as the vehicle believed to have been used by the attackers who assaulted 80-year-old Tommy Ward in his own home, has been identified on CCTV footage.

The car, identified as a Saab 93, was seen turning right onto Salisbury Road from the direction of Grange Lane, at around 5.15am on the day of the attack on Mr Ward on Thursday, 1 October 2015.

It is then seen to make a U-turn further along Salisbury Road, past Mr Ward’s property, and drive back down the road.

However, the car is then unaccounted for and isn’t seen to leave until 5.40am, when it is seen turning left back onto Grange Lane.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Victoria Short said: “There is a 25 minute gap between the car arriving on Salisbury Road and leaving, and through extensive enquiries there is no evidence or suggestion as to why the vehicle would be parked up on the road at this time or that it could have driven anywhere else in the surrounding area.

“Furthermore, we know at 4.56am on the morning Mr Ward was attacked, there were no lights on at his property from previously recovered CCTV footage, however, just over an hour later at 5.58am, the property can be seen lit up and Mr Ward was discovered by his carer 45 minutes later.

“I strongly believe the car seen on the footage is connected to the attack on Mr Ward and was used by the assailants, and we are thoroughly exploring all investigative opportunities available to us in light of this new lead.”

Mr Ward was found on the morning of Thursday, 1 October 2015, at his home in Maltby with serious injuries consistent with a violent assault.

He was immediately taken to hospital where he remained in a critical condition for a number of months. He continued to receive medical treatment but unfortunately died as a result of his injuries a year ago today on Tuesday, 23 February, 2016.

It is believed his life savings of approximately £30,000 in cash, was also stolen from Tommy’s home the morning of the attack, along with a safety deposit box. An identical box was recovered from a canal in the Kilnhurst area of Rotherham around two weeks later, however it was empty.

DCI Short continued: “A number of arrests have been made throughout the investigation and I have a dedicated team who are committed to uncovering who is responsible for such a mindless and violent attack on a vulnerable and defenceless man.

“Mr Ward’s family deserve to know the truth. I am determined to find whoever committed this appalling crime, to hold them accountable for their actions and ensure they are brought to justice.”

If you recall any information that could help please call 101 or email enquiries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk, quoting incident number 408 of 1 October 2015.